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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2024 Hyundai Sonata vs Kia K5
Find out what the powertrain and infotainment differences are in this head-to-head comparison between the 2024 Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5!
Obvious Similarities and Specific Differences
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata and 2024 Kia K5 are two mid-size cars, both built on the Hyundai-Kia N3 platform. The eighth generation of the Sonata started in 2019, but it has a much lengthier history that dates back to 1985. Meanwhile, the Kia K5 debuted in 2000, and it’s currently in its fifth generation, which also debuted in 2019. We’re talking about the 2024 models today, though. Despite the current similarities between these two daily drivers, there are some differences as well. Will the mid-cycle refresh on the 2024 Sonata give it any kind of edge over the less expensive 2024 K5? Let’s find out!
Specs
The new 2024 Hyundai Sonata comes with two engine options. There’s a traditional internal combustion engine and hybrid setup. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 191 horsepower with 181 lb-ft of torque with the help of an eight-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine increases the output to 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. As for the hybrid, it uses a 270-volt lithium-ion battery that is good for 51 horsepower on its own. It also gets help from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a six-speed transmission to deliver a combined 192 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of electric torque.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard across the lineup, but Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive (AWD) system is available on the SEL trim. FWD will get the best gas mileage for the 2024 Sonata, the SEL achieving an estimated 25 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. The hybrid versions of the Sonata, though, get 44 MPG in the city and 51 MPG on the highway.
Already, we have the first major difference between the 2024 Kia K5 and the 2024 Sonata. While Hyundai offers a hybrid powertrain for the Sonata, Kia doesn’t offer one for the K5. The sedan is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This puts out 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. While there’s no hybrid option, there is one other, more powerful, engine choice. It’s a turbocharged 2.5-liter on the GT trim. This version makes 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The 2.5-liter GT engine doesn’t do as well on fuel efficiency, getting an EPA-estimated 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The standard 1.6-liter gets 27 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. FWD is standard across the lineup, but AWD is available on one trim: the GT-Line.
Driving and Performance
The base 2.5-liter engine gets the 2024 Hyundai Sonata from point A to point B. It’s not great, by any means, but it drives fine for a sedan with a 1.6-liter engine. It’s comfortable for passengers. It’s not that noisy. It’s OK. You’ll probably need a heavier foot and a little patience when getting up to highway speeds. As we mentioned in our full review of the 2024 Sonata, the 2.5-liter turbo is composed and more responsive than the other engines, but it’s also faster. As a result, the ride is a little rougher. You’ll sacrifice some comfort for the speed and power the turbo delivers. Finally, the hybrid setup has enough speed to get around just fine in city traffic. You already know that it gains some points in fuel efficiency, and it doesn’t really lose much in terms of performance.
Steering and handling are both OK on the 2024 Kia K5, too. It’s a sedan, so it’s not exciting, but the transmission is responsive. Shifting is smooth. There’s really not that much to complain about. Of course, the 1.6-liter engine could use some extra power on the highway. Accelerating up to speed and passing vehicles can take some effort, but the 2.5-liter engine is available, too. Despite the effort in accelerating, the engine doesn’t make that much noise. With the same 2.5-liter turbo as the 2024 Sonata, the 2024 K5 is very similar in comfort, speed, and handling. It just doesn’t have a hybrid option, and the 1.6-liter is a bit less powerful than any of the engine options between the two vehicles.
Comfort and Interior
Some other differences between the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5 can be seen in the cabin. A mid-cycle refresh for the 2024 Sonata included a pair of available widescreens. A digital dash and touchscreen command center really help keep the Sonata modern. The result is a cabin that looks simple, but still classy. Despite the touchscreens, there’s still a good mix of physical knobs to control things like the radio and temperature. The cloth seats are comfortable and there’s a good amount of legroom in the front and back rows. Front-row passengers get 46.1 inches of space to stretch out in. Passengers in the second row get 34.8 inches of space.
The K5 cabin is simple too but also has an upscale feel thanks to its own infotainment system in the center console. It has physical knobs beneath that, controlling the cabin temperature and the audio system. The quality of materials makes it feel more expensive than it actually is. There isn’t any genuine leather available on the seats, but the synthetic leather upholstery isn’t bad at all. As far as space goes, the 2024 K5 has the same 46.1 inches of front-row legroom as the 2024 Sonata. However, Kia arranged for just a little more legroom in the back. The K5 has 35.2 inches of second-row legroom compared to the 34.8 inches in the Sonata.
Trims
There are four trims to choose from when buying a 2024 Hyundai Sonata: the SEL, N Line, SEL Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid. The SEL starts at $27,500 and the Limited Hybrid ends up at $37,200, so they it’s just a range of about $10,000. The base trim starts off with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, satellite radio, heated front seats, and six speakers. It’s also got a forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, a lane keeping system, a rear cross-traffic warning, blind-spot intervention, and rear automatic brakes.
Moving up that trim ladder eventually gets the option of the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, 19-inch wheels, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a Hyundai navigation system, wireless device charging, ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and rear parking sensors. Genuine leather upholstery also comes with the top-of-the-line Limited Hybrid.
The 2024 Kia K5 is also available in four trim levels, ranging from $25,590 to $31,990. They include the K5 LX-S, GT-Line, EX, and GT. Obviously, Kia has a much cheaper price point than the Sonata. Not as stacked as the base-level Sonata, Kia equipped the 2024 K5 LXS with an eight-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker sound system, and Apple and Android smartphone integration. Safety assists at this level include a blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, and a driver attention warning.
We break down all the features on every trim level in our detailed 2024 Kia K5 review, but some of the highlights at higher trims include adding 18-inch alloy wheels, sound-reducing front windows, satellite radio, a navigation system, wireless smartphone charger, and a 10.25 inch touchscreen. Some driver assistance features you won’t find on a 2024 Sonata include highway driving assist, intersection collision mitigation, and evasive steering assistance. All of them are part of a GT-Line Premium package.
The Verdict
Deciding between the 2025 K5 and the 2024 Sonata depends on your budget. If you are OK giving up some amenities and ability here and there, the K5 will save you some money and it’s a nice option for someone looking for a cheaper sedan. The K5 has some unique infotainment features to boast about, too.
However, for more power, more engine options, more comfort, and more standard tech features, and a more modern look, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata is the clear choice. In this case, you really do get what you pay for. Whether you’re looking at the 2024 Sonata or the 2024 K5, be sure to take a few minutes looking over our list of new car incentives. All of the latest financing and leasing deals from every automaker is right there in one spot!
